Follow in the Footsteps of These “Hall of Faith” Heroes
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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (Hebrews 11:1-2).
With this beginning, the writer of the book of Hebrews launches into an exploration of what it means to live out our faith in God. After all, as he wrote in verse 6 of this chapter, “...without faith it is impossible to please God.” So, this passage addresses a foundational subject for Christians.
In this journey through Hebrews 11, the author celebrates certain people who demonstrated their firm belief in the Lord. Many of the names are familiar, others not so well known. But all of them have something to teach us, and taking a closer look at them can inspire us to move forward in our faith.
What Is The "Hall of Faith"?
Simply put, chapter 11, called the “Hall of faith” or “Faith Hall of fame,” is a list of men and women who were determined to follow God. Though they lived in different times and faced different circumstances, each of them chose to show loyalty to the Lord. They shared some common traits, and received grace for their situations, as well as:
Trust in and obedience to God, which guided them.
Courage to stand for God against the unrighteous of their day, which fortified them.
Perseverance and willingness to wait for what God promised, which brought them peace.
What Happens in This Passage?
This book was originally written for an audience of Hebrew Christians. These were Jews who had accepted Christ, yet found themselves falling back into old traditions and routines. As a result, they ended up having a kind of hybrid faith, a mix of the old and the new.
In chapters 1-10, the writer sets out to teach the superiority of Christ above all others, and that following Him is the greater way to live.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).
“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest” (Hebrews 3:1)
Chapter 10 of Hebrews finishes with an appeal for believers to pursue seeking God and His goodness with complete confidence. If we do, it says, we’ll receive the power to remain strong and hopeful about God’s promises even in the midst of trouble.
“…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:22-23).
“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:39).
After this introduction, chapter 11 presents a literal “fleshing out” of all these truths and ideas.
Who Wrote This List?
The Apostle Paul has traditionally been given credit for writing the book of Hebrews. But many scholars have debated the possibility that someone else might have been the author, pointing to the differences in style and language between Hebrews and other letters of Paul’s. And some think the book might actually have been a sermon given by Paul at one time.
But whoever the author actually was, the purpose remains clear - to remind believers of basic truths about Christ’s authority, to encourage and reassure Jesus’ followers that Christianity is true, and to show real examples of those who have honored God by holding to their convictions.
Who Is Included in the Hall of Faith?
The list begins by making a statement that all Christians should agree with.
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:3).
Then, starting in verse 4, the spotlight is shone on specific people from Old Testament accounts, and the actions that demonstrated their faith in the God who created the universe.
1. Abel - “...brought a better offering than Cain did” (v. 4).
2. Enoch - “...commended as one who pleased God” (v. 5).
3. Noah - “...when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family” (v. 7).
4. Abraham - “...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (v. 8). “...offered Isaac as a sacrifice” (v. 17).
5. Isaac - “...blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future” (v. 20).
6. Jacob - “...when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff” (v. 21).
7. Joseph - “...spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones” (v. 22).
8. Moses’ parents - “...hid him for three months after he was born…” (v. 23).
9. Moses - “...chose to be mistreated along with the people of God…” (v. 25). “...kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel” (v.26).
10. The Israelites - “...passed through the Red Sea as on dry land…” (v.29) “...the walls of Jericho fell…” (v.30).
11. Rehab (saved because she helped the Israelite spies).
12. Others: Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets.
Names in Chapter 11 That Could Seem Surprising
Most of the names found here make sense to us. We’ve heard about Moses delivering God’s people out of Egypt, and how Abraham became the father of whole nations, for instance. The wisdom of Noah, the strength of Samson, or the eloquence of David impresses us. But some in this list might, at least on the surface, seem unexpected.
Many people might be puzzled to see Rahab as part of this list, because of her occupation - chapter 2 in the book of Joshua describes her as a prostitute in the city of Jericho. But she not only opened her house to some Israelite spies, she hid them and lied when the King ordered her to send them out to him. Her faith showed as she protected them because she knew the Lord was leading His nation into the land.
Jephthah is another name that could cause people to wonder. Judges 11 tells us that after being disowned by his family and chased out of his home, he became a leader of the Israelite army. But the story also includes how a foolish vow that he made to the Lord resulted in him having to sacrifice his daughter. Both he and his daughter knew by faith, though, that it was vital to keep any kind of promise made to God.
How Does This List Encourage Us in Our Faith?
If we can make this list more personal, it can be a great motivator for us in our own lives.
The Hall of Faith lays out all sorts of situations, from what offerings God is pleased with to making a major life shift after hearing from Him. So, we can ask ourselves, “Am I bringing God my best?” and “Would I be willing to change my life if He called me in a new direction?”
This passage also describes people with widely different social statuses and positions. Each was specially created by God and gifted to do what He had planned for them. So, we can wonder, “Where has God placed me?” and “How can I use my gifts to express my faith in Him?”
Another thing this list shows us is a group of people who were flawed - none were perfect. Yet, by submitting to God, they became more righteous and their faith shone more brightly. So, we can say, “Though I have faults, God can use me,” and, “As I grow in Him, I’ll be clearer and stronger in expressing my convictions.”
Can We Ever Have a Faith as Powerful as Those in This List?
At first glance, reading through the ‘Hall of Faith’ could lead us to think that those on the list were specially anointed and equipped in a way that we aren’t. But that only generates a sense of competition, and maybe even discouragement.
Jesus taught about faith many times. And He often stated that anyone who loves God and possesses faith could do amazing things. The Gospels contain some encouraging words from the Lord to ordinary people.
To the father of a demon-possessed boy:
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes’” (Mark 9:23).
To a Gentile mother who desperately sought His help:
“Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28).
To His disciples when asked why they failed to heal someone:
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:20).
Hebrews 11 is a wonderful reminder that faith in God is the bedrock for living a life that pleases Him. It delivers a message that should stir every Christian’s heart - that faith is given to us by the Lord so that we can fully rely on Him, trust Him, and stand for His righteousness. And our world greatly needs to see us live this out.
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